Liberal MP Privately Critical of Government Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
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Liberal MP Rob Oliphant was critical of the government's decision to suspend funding for the UN aid agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) in a private call with a constituent. He called it the "wrong decision" and said his "heart hurts" over the impact on humanitarian aid.
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Oliphant revealed he has considered quitting as parliamentary secretary to the foreign affairs minister over disagreements with government policy on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
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He said he likely would have advised the government against saying it doesn't "accept the premise" of the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice due to the confusion it caused.
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Oliphant believes Israel has "probably" engaged in genocidal activity, based on what he has seen. He stressed this was his personal view.
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The MP worries the government's approach to the conflict will cause the "Global South" to "literally raise arms" in rebellion because their perspectives are not being listened to.